South Korea’s Lee calls for greater police accountability after Jeju missing-person cases

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 27, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Japan Inside

SEOUL, South Korea — South Korean police are reviewing about 310,000 missing-person cases closed nationwide over the past three years following controversy over the mishandling of cases on Jeju Island.

The National Police Agency plans to complete the review by November and identify cases considered particularly vulnerable to improper closure. Authorities will check whether the safety of missing individuals was actually confirmed and whether proper procedures were followed. Cases found to have been improperly or inadequately handled may be reopened.

The nationwide review follows revelations that a police officer on Jeju allegedly closed at least two missing-person cases without properly confirming that the individuals were safe.

Both missing persons were later found dead.

Jeju Provincial Police Agency chief Ko Pyeong-ki issued a public apology on Thursday, August 27, over the mishandling of the cases.

Ko apologized to the two victims and their bereaved families and said he felt a profound sense of responsibility over the failures.

One of the cases involved 37-year-old Jang Mi-ran, who was reported missing in May.

Police said the officer handling her case allegedly closed it after claiming he had spoken with Jang and confirmed her safety. An investigation later found no record of a phone call between the officer and Jang.

Jang’s body was found on August 24 during an intensive search on Jeju, more than three months after she was first reported missing.

The same officer was also found to have prematurely closed another case involving a man in his 60s. The man’s body was discovered on August 22.

The officer was taken into custody over allegations including dereliction of duty, falsifying official electronic records and obstruction of official duties through deceptive means. He has maintained that he contacted the missing individuals.

The cases have prompted calls for broader changes in South Korea’s police system.

President Lee Jae Myung ordered a thorough investigation into the handling of Jang’s case and called for a review of the police command and supervisory system.

During a Cabinet meeting on August 25, Lee also stressed the need for police reform as the force is set to receive greater investigative authority under changes to South Korea’s criminal justice system. He called for consideration of a government body that would oversee police reform.

Prime Minister Han Seong-sook has also ordered police to examine the handling of missing-person cases nationwide and address weaknesses in the system.

On August 27, Han called for changes not only in procedures for missing-person cases but also in the police force’s organizational culture, amid concerns that such reports may not have been treated with sufficient seriousness.

Interior Minister Yun Ho-jung separately apologized on August 26 over the alleged mishandling of the Jeju case and pledged a thorough investigation.

As part of the nationwide response, provincial and metropolitan police agencies will conduct weekly reviews of cases closed by police stations under their jurisdiction and order reinvestigations when necessary.

The National Police Agency is also preparing measures to overhaul the country’s system for investigating and closing missing-person cases.